New Firefox beta ready for testing

Mozilla has announced that the latest beta version of Firefox 3.0 is ready for testing.

Its developers said that based on feedback received about the last trial version of the browser, Firefox 3 Beta 5 includes more than 750 changes. Improvements include better stability and claims that it is more secure.

The latest version, which can be downloaded now, offers one-click site information that allows users to see who owns a site they visit and to check their connection is protected from eavesdropping. Identity verification is also more prominently displayed and easier to understand.

When a site uses Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates, the site favicon button will turn green and show the name of the company the user is connected to.

The beta also includes protection that warns users when they arrive at sites which are known to install viruses, spyware, Trojans or other malware.

The content of websites that have been forged, a common tactic used in phishing attacks, will no longer be shown and if there is something wrong with the security certificate clearer error pages will be shown.

Firefox will inform anti-virus software when downloading executables.

The developers have also ensured that the beta is compatible with Vista's parental control settings for disabling file downloads.

Mozilla is encouraging testers to download and install Beta 5 and test it against the websites they normally visit. They are then encouraged to provide feedback about any incompatibilities.